No Chitrangada in Sudhir’s next
Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 16, 2014)

Mirror was the first to report that Sudhir Mishra and Chitrangda Singh have parted ways after a decade-long collaboration as mentor and muse (June 3, 2014).

Now, we have learnt that the director is starting a film, a political romance set in the Northern hinterland, in September. However, the film won't be toplined by Chitrangda, who has previously worked with the director in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Inkaar and Yeh Saali Zindagi.

Confirming the same, Mishra told Mirror, "I need a younger actress for this story. I haven't finalised my cast yet but Chitrangada (she's in her late 30s) is definitely not a part of this project as the role doesn't suit her."

Hasn't he had a fallout with the actress? "There are minor altercations in every partnership. We have sorted them out. If I have a suitable role for her in future, I will definitely approach her. Whether she takes it up or not, is Chitrangada's decision."

She has refused his offers in the past. "I had a role for her but she didn't like it and the film was never made. It's her prerogative to say no," he says.

The actress recently divorced her golfer-husband Jyoti Randhawa. Does he have any advice for her? "My equation with Chitrangada is purely professional and not social. So, I really had nothing to contribute on this subject," he retorts.

Quizzed on rumours about an affair between them, Mishra laughs and says gossip amuses him. "I'm a single man who has always been very open about his relationships. I'm not hiding in a closet. If I were in a relationship with Chitrangada, or anyone else, I would openly acknowledge it," he maintains.

Contrary to popular perception, the director insists that his film, Pehle Aap Janab, featuring Rishi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan and Chitrangada, has not been shelved. "There is no change in the primary cast, but the scale of the film has become bigger. So the script is undergoing several changes. Nikhil Advani is the producer and the co-writer. We will flag off the film after I wrap up my next project," says Mishra.